Jordan Valley awarded $1.5M grant from UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) this morning awarded a $1.5 million grant to Jordan Valley Community Health Center.

With the funds, the health center plans to expand its community health worker program by adding 10 new employees to improve primary care for low-income and underserved residents in the Springfield area, according to a news release.

“This program helps redefine access to clinical care and critical social-services that can enhance people’s well-being and quality of life,” said Nicole Cooper, senior director of social responsibility at UnitedHealthcare, in the release, referencing a companywide goal to deliver health care to underserved populations. “Our partnerships with safety-net providers like Jordan Valley Community Health Center enables us to reach more people in southwest Missouri and across the country.”

Jordan Valley’s expanded community worker program brings its employee count in the division to 12 from two. The community health workers are trained to provide health screenings and preventive care services, as well as connect people with food, housing and transportation.

“A strong personal connection with our patient population is truly the key component that puts us in a position where a caring and trusting relationship can be formed with the people we serve,” Jordan Valley CEO Brooks Miller said in the release.